The message reads, in part:
“This wonderful creative forum once again brings together some of our country’s most outstanding cultural figures, who will perform concerts over this Easter season. The festival is a clear demonstration that true great art imparts a tremendous moral strength that makes people’s lives more interesting and enriches them spiritually.
The festival is taking place not only in Moscow but in many cities around Russia and, as always, will offer the public some of the finest examples from the world’s classical heritage of symphonic, choral, and chamber music. Russia’s best bell ringers will also demonstrate their inspired talent.
It is important that the festival continues to develop its philanthropic and educational traditions and make a great contribution to preserving our historic memory and instilling patriotic spirit in our youth.
This year’s festival is dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Kursk. The performances by famous conductors, ensembles and performers that will mark this anniversary will honour the memory of the heroes of what was one of the decisive turning points in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.”